News
Is the glimmer of hope for the nation’s capital fading away?
#TurksandCaicos, September 28, 2021 – Nearly 18 months have past since the Covid-19 pandemic hit, bringing a sudden collapse to the economy in Grand Turk which is the nation’s capital. The island is still reeling from the impact, and hasn’t been in such an economic despair since 2008, during the devastation caused by hurricane Ike.
It never dawned on me how much Grand Turk have become so dependent on the tourists dollars until now. With the pause on the cruise ships embarking on Grand Turk shores, it has impacted hundreds of local jobs and small businesses.
Although a few tourists from the island of Providenciales trickle in, it is not near sufficient revenue to add any sort of real relief to the people of Grand Turk and Salt Cay, many of whom are unable to find jobs to help support their families. For some, the only lifeline is the benefit of having a family member or two, who are employed by the government. The reality is, this is unsustainable if further delay of the cruise ships to Grand Turk continues for much longer.
Cruising has resumed in select Caribbean countries like the Dominican Republic, Bahamas, Jamaica and a few others. However, the debacle continues as the cruising industry faces fluid embarkation protocols with international ports, in addition to requiring mandatory vaccination of passengers. Having said that, as much I would like to be optimistic about the imminent return of cruising to Grand Turk, the prospects for 2021 appear pretty bleak.
During the earlier part of this year, some extravagant plans were proposed by the government, with talks of utilizing a portion of the Carnival infrastructure funds to help resuscitate the ailing economy in Grand Turk, but execution appears to be at a standstill. 
As the government struggles to find an economic balance to fuel recovery efforts, it would be prudent to keep hope alive on a continuous basis particularly for the people of these two Islands. This can easily be done by providing more regular updates on the progress of talks with Royal Caribbean and Carnival’s executive team.
Public communication should also include a targeted date for reopening of the Grand Turk cruise port and any interim plans to mitigate the loss of employment income. As the summer months drawn down, there are literally very little flow of tourism now. Hoteliers, tour operators and small businesses have taken huge losses and are feeling the punch.
Local government contracts are sparse, and under the current laws of how contracts are awarded, there aren’t enough to go around. Given the nature of this unprecedented virus and prolonged hardship, this may not be the best approach especially for those needing it the most. Therefore, citizens are anxiously awaiting to see what the next big step this administration will take to provide jobs for many of those who are unemployed.
In my opinion, what both political parties have failed to do is to share the wealth, which I think is a huge missed opportunity. With the staggering number of tourists visiting the island of Providenciales on a weekly basis, more could be done to lure tourists to these outer islands.
Among many things, the government could increase the marketing budget abroad, with specific focus on promoting whale watching which is a niche market to Grand Turk and Salt Cay. In addition, promoting the “magnificent wall”, The Wall as it is referred too, is an amazing 7k feet deep ocean shelf, approximately 1000 feet off Grand Turk shore line, a dream for scuba diving enthusiasts. Or perhaps, having on display, posters with names of the outer islands at the international airport. Animation of our brand via promotional videos would also capture travelers attention.
Stakeholders across the travel and tourism sector, can also partner with the local airline operators to offer promotional discounts on airfares and lodging to these particular islands etc. In all likelihood, this would entice more tourists to consider taking a day trip to these outer islands.
How long will the pendulum continue to swing both ways in the nation’s capital, regardless of political parties?
Granted, the newly proposed reforms and projects recently announcement by the Premier, appeared to have given the people of Grand Turk some renewed hope.
Nevertheless, for added accountability, the focus should continue to be on tangible deliverables and timeframe of these ministerial proposals.
My fear is, if cruising doesn’t resume within a reasonable timeframe, we could began to see an uptick in petty crimes. With the trickle down impact, it could also force the closure of more small businesses on the island.
Subsequently, causing an exodus of folks seeking employment elsewhere, which could cause further drain of the talent pool from the Capital.
Ed Forbes
Concerned Citizen of Grand Turk
Turks and Caicos, May 23, 2026 – Invest Turks and Caicos Islands took center stage at one of the region’s most influential hospitality
investment gatherings this spring, serving as a Platinum Sponsor at ALIS CALA 2026 in Coral Gables, Florida.
Held April 28 to 30 at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel, the conference brought together more than 600 tourism, hotel and investment leaders from over 35 countries focused on the future of hospitality investment in the Caribbean and Latin America.
ALIS CALA — short for the Americas Lodging Investment Summit Caribbean and Latin America — is widely regarded as the region’s premier deal-driven hospitality investment conference. The platform emerged from the merger of the long-running Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit (CHRIS) and Hotel Opportunities Latin America (HOLA), creating what organizers describe as a high-level space where investors, developers, lenders, hotel brands and government leaders connect around major regional projects and opportunities.
The event is known for attracting senior decision-makers, with roughly one in three delegates holding titles such as Chairman, CEO, President, Owner or Principal.
Invest Turks and Caicos said its participation focused heavily on showcasing investment opportunities across the territory, particularly in the Family Islands.
CEO Angela Musgrove delivered a presentation highlighting development opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands to what the agency
described as a full room of attendees and strong stakeholder interest.
In a statement following the conference, Invest Turks and Caicos said discussions centered on tourism expansion, sustainable development and long-term investment partnerships designed to position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a leading investment destination in the region.
The agency added that it looks forward to continuing conversations started at ALIS CALA and building new partnerships with investors, developers and strategic stakeholders interested in growth opportunities throughout the islands.
The conference itself focused heavily on capital access, hotel development pipelines, mixed-use tourism projects and investment confidence throughout the Caribbean basin — sectors where Turks and Caicos continues to attract increasing international attention.
The Rick Fox Political Timeline
“Are You Thinking About Politics?”
Fox publicly acknowledged growing calls for him to enter Bahamian politics, saying he had been hearing from women, youth, business owners and everyday Bahamians who were “ready for something different.”
October 19, 2025
“Then Jump, Man.”
Fox revealed a conversation with NBA legend Michael Jordan, who encouraged him to enter politics after asking whether he believed he could help young Bahamians.
November 24, 2025
“The Bahamas Must Be First”
Fox officially announced his intention to run in the 2026 General Election, promising transparency, affordability, opportunity and a modern Bahamian economy.
February 4, 2026
“Officially Picked”
The Free National Movement formally ratified Fox as its candidate for Garden Hills, instantly making him one of the most talked-about figures in the election cycle.
March 20, 2026
“From Courtside to Campaign Stage”
Fox mounted the national campaign stage for the first time at the FNM’s major campaign launch at Baha Mar Resort in Nassau.
March 30, 2026
“I’m Giving The Salary Back”
Fox announced he would not take a parliamentary salary if elected, saying the funds should instead go back into helping the people of
Garden Hills.
April 14, 2026
“Nomination Eve Goes Viral”
A heated confrontation involving Fox and PLP supporters outside the Parliamentary Registration Department exploded across social media after video captured the tense exchange.
April 16, 2026
“Pick Rick” Officially Launches
Nomination Day cemented Fox’s candidacy and formally launched the now-famous “Pick Rick” campaign branding.
April 19, 2026
“Vote and Win”
Jamiah Burrows won a vehicle through Fox’s civic participation challenge, part of a campaign effort encouraging voter engagement and turnout.
April 20, 2026
“The Wealthiest Candidate”
Financial disclosures revealed Fox as the wealthiest candidate in the 2026 election cycle, with reported assets exceeding $469 million, ending speculation about his financial standing.
April 25, 2026
“The Garden Hills Blueprint”
Fox unveiled detailed policy graphics outlining plans for:
- youth development,
- healthcare access,
- infrastructure upgrades,
- environmental restoration,
- entrepreneurship,
- and a proposed $10 million investment fund for Garden Hills.
May 4, 2026
“The Numbers Don’t Lie”
Fox’s campaign highlighted more than:
- 20 community clean-ups,
- 16 streets and locations served,
- and 13 solar lights installed across Garden Hills during the campaign.
May 6, 2026
“Shaq Steps In”
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal publicly endorsed Fox, helping elevate international attention surrounding the campaign.
May 8, 2026
“Buju Backs Rick”
Jamaican reggae icon Buju Banton threw his support behind Fox ahead of Election Day.
May 10, 2026
“Vanessa Williams Endorses”
Fox’s former wife, actress and singer Vanessa Williams publicly endorsed his campaign.
May 11, 2026
“Magic Joins the Campaign”
NBA icon Magic Johnson became the latest major celebrity to endorse Fox just one day before Bahamians went to the polls.
May 12, 2026
“Election Day”
Fox contested the Garden Hills constituency seat against PLP incumbent Mario Bowleg in one of the country’s most closely watched races.
May 13, 2026
“Grace in Defeat”
Fox publicly conceded the race and congratulated Bowleg on his victory in Garden Hills.
May 18, 2026
“We Pick Rick”
Despite losing at the polls, Fox officially entered Parliament after being appointed to the Senate by the FNM — with the party itself declaring:
“We Pick Rick.”
The appointment made Fox one of the most internationally recognized figures ever to serve in the Bahamian Senate.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in coordination with the Planning Department and key partner agencies, conducted a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, May 7, 2026, in the Lower Bight area in Providenciales. The exercise resulted in the complete removal of a total of eight (8) unauthorized structures and all associated debris from a
privately-owned parcel of land.
The operation was led by the Planning Department, with coordination by the ISU and support from the TCI Border Force, the Crown Land Unit, and Pelican Energy. Security for the exercise was provided by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. All agencies worked collaboratively to ensure the exercise was carried out in a safe, orderly, and controlled manner.
The enforcement action followed a structured and lawful process in accordance with the Physical Planning regulatory framework of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Section 45 Enforcement Notices were first issued on the affected parcel in December 2024, identifying unauthorized structures erected without the requisite approvals. This was followed by the issuance of Warning Notices on April 16, 2026, which advised occupants that they were in breach of planning and land use regulations and provided notice that demolition activities would proceed following the prescribed compliance period. Despite these notices and the time afforded for compliance, the unauthorized structures remained in place.
This exercise represents part of an ongoing commitment to ensuring that development within the Turks and Caicos Islands is lawful, safe, and aligned with national standards.
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